The 9 day Brahmotsavams of Kaliyuga Sri Maha Vishnu Lord Venkateswara in Tirupathi start today.
Today the events start with the Dhwajarohanam (Hoisting the Lord's flag). Garuda reaches the heavens to invite the gods to the festival.
#Brahmotsavam
Technically the festivities have started yesterday with the Ankurarpanam (Initiation ceremony), where Lord Vishwaksena, Venkateswara's trusted attendant and the commander of his armies takes a round of the four mada streets to oversee the preparations.
#Brahmotsavam
And every day for these 9 days, Lord Venkateswara would enthrall his devotees by his ceremonial processions in various forms, and atop various celestial vehicles. It is a sight to certainly behold in one's lifetime.
Today evening, the first evening of Brahmotsavam, Lord Srinivasa graces his devotees atop the Pedda Seshavahanam (Large Snake Vehicle). The Seven headed Serpent King. AdiSesha is the most ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, and reserves the honours of day one.
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Today morning, the second morning of Brahmotsavam, Lord Venkateswara enthralls his devotees atop the Chinna Sesha Vahanam (Small Snake Vehicle). The five headed serpent carries the Lord decked up as Krishna, playing celestial notes on his flute.
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Today evening, the second day of the festivities Lord Govinda delights his devotees atop the Hamsa Vahanam (Swan Vehicle). Decked in shimmering white and holding a Veena, the Lord enthralls everyone in the Veenapani Saraswati roopam.
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Today morning, on the third day of Brahmotsavams, Lord Malayappa graces the world atop the SimhaVahanam. The Slayer of Hiranyakashyapa appears as Narasimha Swamy today riding a lion through the streets of Tirumala
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Today evening, on the third day of Brahmotsavam, Lord Narayana appears along with Sridevi and Bhudevi in the Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam (Canopy of Pearls). Decorated as Krishna, he is a sight to behold
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Today morning, on the fourth day of Brahmotsavam, Lord Gopala graces the streets of Tirumala under the Kalpavriksham, or the Wish Granting Tree. Accompanied by his two consorts, he reminds us all that he alone can grant our wishes.
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Today evening, on the fourth day of Brahmotsavam, Lord Achyuta graces his devotees atop the Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam (Emperor of the Entire Universe). Here he reiterates that he alone is the Supreme soul over everyone in this material world.
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On the fifth morning of Brahmotsavam, Srivaru casts a spell on us as Jaganmohini. Gracefully dressed in a white silk saree, drowned in invaluable jewels, and wearing the surya chandra saveri on his crown, and a parrot in his right hand, he assumes the feminine form of Mohini.
The entire Universe is Vishnu's Maya. And to liberate us from this myth, Vishnu emerges as Mohini. Accompanying the main palanquin is the idol of Krishna in a wood and ivory palanquin, donated to the temple by the Wodeyars of Mysore. #Brahmotsavam
The fifth evening of Brahmotsavam is the most important. Lord Sri Hari appears before us atop his mount, Garuda, the Brahmany kite in the Garuda Seva. He is alone without his consorts for this seva. This is the day which attracts the most pilgrims in the nine days. #Brahmotsavam
DYK the flowers used for decorating Srinivasa during the Garuda Seva come from Sirivilliputhur Andal Temple, located 650 km away in Southern Tamil Nadu?
A basket full of garlands, toy parrots and a silk saree are sent every year to Tirumala as a gift from his devotee, Andal🙏
Today morning, Vishnu appears as Rama sitting atop the Hanumad Vahanam. The celestial bow, Kodanda in his hand, Lord Vishnu graces the Tirumala streets riding Anjaneya
Incidentally, he is woken up daily as "Rama, the son of Kausalya" in the Venkateswara Suprabhatam.
#Brahmotsavam
Today evening, Srivaru emerges onto the Tirumala streets riding the Swarna Ratham (Golden Chariot). Flanked by his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi. After the Dolotsavam (Swing Festival) in the Ranganayaka mandapam, the chariot procession starts #Brahmotsavam
After the Chariot, Malayappa enthralls his devotees as he steps out once again, this time by himself atop the Gajavahanam (Elephant Vehicle). The imagery is not lost. Everyone remembers Gajendramoksha and the special place pachyderms holds for his beloved Lakshmi #Brahmotsavam
Today on the seventh morning, Lord Keshava emerges atop the Suryaprabha Vahanam . Chauffeured by the Sun God himself, and driven by seven horses, he graces his devotees wearing a diamond gauntlet.
Visiting Tirumala on this day is supposed to cure all illnesses.
#Brahmotsavam
Today evening, Srivaru graces his devotees atop the Chandraprabha Vahanam. The cool evening breeze brings the Moon God himself as the vehicle upon which Lord Vishnu parades in the streets of Tirumala.
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Today on the eighth morning, Lord Srinivasa rides around Tirumala streets in the Rathotsavam (Chariot festival). Malayappa flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi appear in this chariot, which is ceremoniously pulled by the devotees themselves amidst the chants of "Govinda"
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Today evening, the last day of the processions ends with Lord MahaVishnu riding out holding the reins of a golden horse on the Aswa Vahanam. Kalki, his last avatar shall appear riding a horse and it is fitting that Brahmotsavams end with this avatar.
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The final day of Brahmotsavam coincides with Vijayadasami. The Utsava idols of Srinivasa and his consorts along with the Sudarshana Chakra are ceremoniously bathed in a temple tank in the temple premises. And coated with sandal and adorned with holy basil garlands.
#Brahmotsavam
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